Paul

December 3

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

One body

In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians he told them that they are all part of one body—the body of Jesus Christ (verse 27).

“Our bodies are made up of many parts. When the parts are put together, they become one body. That is how it is with [the body of] Christ: each of us is a part of His body. The Holy Spirit has fitted us together even though we are different and come from different backgrounds.

One part of the body cannot say to another, ‘I don’t need you!’ If the whole body were and eye, how could you hear? And if it were an ear, how could you smell? God, in His wisdom, has put ever part of the body where He wants it to be and has given it a special task.

If one part of the body suffers, the other parts suffer with it. If one part is praised, all the other parts are glad.”

How do I know which part of the body I am?

Jesus Christ is the Head of the church (those who believe in Him) and the church is the body of Christ (Colossians 1:18). If Jesus rules in your heart, you have become part of the body. Without you there would be an important part missing! Every person, whether a child or an adult, can be a blessing to the other parts by letting the fruit of the Spirit show in their lives (see Galatians 5:22-23).

As you grow, God will show you the special tasks He wants you to do. He has given you spiritual gifts to help you do your part well—whatever it may be. As you faithfully serve the Lord and help others, you will discover the spiritual gifts you have been given. Some of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 and Romans 12:6-8.

Remember, as with the great heroes of the Bible, God may first need to prepare you for a certain task by molding and shaping your character.

Verse for today

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:16